Sustainability

Providing for Future Generations — More for the Mission

Responsible stewardship is at the core of the Minnesota Historical Society’s mission. Through preserving, sharing and connecting, MNHS uses the power of history to transform lives.

More for the Mission is MNHS’ innovative sustainability program that builds on the MNHS mission. By focusing on environmental data, More for the Mission helps MNHS reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve energy and reduce costs, ensuring that MNHS can continue to provide high­quality programs for future generations. Since the project's beginning, 75 strategies have been identified that would save the organization nearly $2 million in utility bills over a 5-year period and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent.

Historic preservation aligns with environmental stewardship efforts. MNHS operates or maintains nearly 150 historic buildings totaling more than 793,000 square feet, including the ruins of the Washburn ‘A’ Mill at Mill City Museum, Split Rock Lighthouse and Historic Fort Snelling. The National Trust for Historic Preservation notes that the “re­use of historic and older buildings, greening the existing building stock, and reinvestment in older and historic communities, is crucial to combating climate change.”